There’s no doubt AI has been a hot topic, and for good reason. Its potential to reshape the way we connect with customers is huge. But for dealerships, AI’s power really shines when it’s integrated into existing workflows rather than used as an add-on. Instead of more tools to juggle, AI can become a part of the Service Department’s daily rhythm, helping staff communicate more effectively and making interactions with customers feel more personal.
How AI Works for Service Departments
Bringing AI into the mix can seem like a big step, but think of it as adding extra support to the tools and practices you’re already using. Here are some of the ways AI can make a real difference in how dealerships connect with their customers:
Making Maintenance Sales Easier: AI helps BDC teams highlight the value of essential services, like tire rotations and brake checks, with suggested responses and objection-handling tips. This means staff can answer questions confidently, making it easier for customers to say "yes" to recommended services.
Texting That Stands Out: Basic reminder texts are no longer enough. Customers are used to those and often ignore them. With AI, these texts can be customized with details that feel relevant to the customer, sparking a response instead of silence. A more engaging message like, “Hi Bob, your Camry is due for its next check-up—let’s get you booked in!” has a far better chance of starting a real conversation.
More Personal Voicemails: Basic reminder texts are no longer enough. Nobody loves a generic voicemail. AI can make these messages feel genuine and specific, adding a friendly touch that helps customers feel valued. By using information from the CRM, these AI-powered voicemails can sound natural and professional, giving the impression of a one-on-one call rather than an automated script.
Engage AI:The Future of Service Marketing
DealerMine has been focused on making AI an easy, natural fit within the Service CRM, so that AI can support staff rather than complicate things. Engage AI is a set of practical, ready-to-use tools that make it easier for dealerships to connect with customers in a way that feels genuine and personal.
AI-Powered Maintenance Groups: Automatically updated with insights about each service, Maintenance Groups help dealerships increase maintenance sales per repair order. In a recent study, this feature helped dealers raise their average maintenance sales by 18% in just four months.
AI Batch Texting: Instead of sending out the same static messages, Engage AI lets dealerships send personalized, engaging messages that prompt customers to respond. Replies are categorized based on intent, so BDC staff can handle responses faster and know when to escalate a conversation.
Efficient Voice Drops: Soon, AI-powered voicemails will be able to include customer names, vehicle info, and service details. BDC agents can quickly move on to the next call without needing to manually record each message, maximizing both time and productivity.
When it’s integrated into tools dealerships already know and trust, AI offers a powerful advantage. With Engage AI, your service team can focus on what matters most: providing a personalized experience for customers, driving service revenue, and keeping things efficient. By making AI part of the everyday workflow, dealerships can deliver an elevated service experience that feels fresh and genuine, without the need for more complex tools.
